The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced that 327 individuals have been arrested for illegal mining activities across Nigeria since the Mining Marshals (MM) were launched in 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing on March 21 to mark the first anniversary of the MM’s operations, Alake highlighted the significant impact the specialized security force has had in combating illegal mining within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
“The Marshals have arrested 327 suspects for illegal mining,” Alake stated, adding that 143 individuals have been prosecuted in collaboration with other agencies.
The Mining Marshals, inaugurated on March 21, 2024, are a specialized security unit under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) tasked with tackling illegal mining.
Looking ahead, Alake revealed that securing convictions for illegal miners already facing charges would be a key focus in 2025, as a deterrent measure to enforce mining laws.
The minister also commended the EFCC and the Nigerian Army for their support, citing recent convictions of two foreign nationals in Ilorin, Kwara State, for illegal mining.
Alake further disclosed that 98 mining sites have been recovered, allowing licensed operators to return and resume operations, boosting government royalties and revenue from the solid minerals sector.
The MM has identified 457 illegal mining sites and is currently active in 10 states, including Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the FCT.
To strengthen the Mining Marshals, Alake confirmed plans to recruit additional personnel and provide more resources, vehicles, and equipment in 2025.
At the event, MM Commandant John Attah thanked the minister for his support and urged Nigerians to view the fight against illegal mining as a national priority.